The American Red Cross is experiencing a blood shortage nationally that might delay life-saving procedures.
According to the Red Cross, the US is seeing the fewest amount of people donate blood in twenty years. Kristi Ingalls, Account Manager 3 for the Kansas District elaborates:
Ingalls acknowledges that shortages are due, in part, to the current external factors affecting individuals today:
Despite that, Ingalls notes the regular donors in Manhattan:
Just between Christmas and New Year’s Day, the organization has seen a nearly 7,000 unit shortfall, with dangerous implications to those in need of emergency blood. With potentially life saving medical operations being delayed due to the blood shortage, Ingalls encouraged residents who are able to get out and donate blood to do so. Individuals interested in giving blood can make appointments through the Red Cross Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Upcoming blood drives for the area include Wednesday, January 17th from 12pm to 6pm and Thursday, January 18th from 7:30am to 1pm at Pottorf Hall in Cico Park in Manhattan as well as Thursday, January 18th from 11:30am to 6pm and Friday, January 19th from 8am to 1pm at the Junction City Municipal Building in Junction City.
